New Villa manager waiting to take over at club

Gerard Houllier will have to wait two weeks before officially taking charge at Aston Villa because he is still to agree a release date from his role with the French Football Federation.

The 63-year-old former Liverpool manager met the media for the first time since being named as Martin O'Neill's replacement but will not be in charge for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Stoke City.

Houllier's first match in charge is likely to be the League Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers on September the 22nd.

Kevin MacDonald, who has been managing team affairs since O'Neill's shock resignation on the eve of the new season, will remain in charge until Houllier begins his duties.